Kyle Joseph went close for Latics

Wigan Athletic’s makeshift team suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat against Blackpool at Bloomfield Road. 

Latics who are still missing seven first-teamers acquitted themselves well against the more experienced hosts and were unlucky not to come away with at least a draw.

In an even first half both sides had chances but the best opportunity fell to C.J. Hamilton who blazed over from inside the box.

The Seasiders went ahead just after half-time when Sullay Kaikai converted Jerry Yates clever cut back.

Kyle Joseph making his debut forced an excellent save from Chris Maxwell to deny the visitors an equaliser but Gary Madine wasted a great chance for the hosts when he was far too casual with his shot and Jones saved easily.

The result drops Latics to the bottom of the League One table on goal difference while Blackpool move up to 12th spot. 

Injury-hit Latics were still without Lee Evans, Gavin Massey, Kal Naismith, Curtis Tilt, Darnell Johnson, Viv Solomon-Otabor and Will Keane for the trip to Bloomfield Road.

Five of the starting eleven were from Gregor Rioch’s Academy with Joseph making his full debut upfront and Emeka Obi starting in the centre of defence alongside Adam Long.

The experienced hosts started brightly and Madine forced a good save from Jones and Hamilton fired across goal from a good position soon afterwards.

But Latics gradually grew into the game and Dan Gardner’s goal bound effort was deflected for a corner on 20 minutes. Gardner then turned provider crossing for Joe Garner’s header which was saved by Maxwell.

Garner then tried his luck from 40 yards when seeing Maxwell off his line but the striker’s effort was wide of the target.

Hamilton then had a glorious opportunity for the hosts but he blazed over from inside the box.

At the other end Latics nearly gained the advantage when Garner’s clever dummy provided space for Joseph and the Scotland Youth international turned one way and then the other before firing narrowly wide.  

0-0 at the interval with Latics showing plenty of endeavour and matching the hosts for possession.

But early in the second half the Seasiders were in front. Yates broke forward down the right and cut the ball back to Kaikai who made no mistake from 12-yards out.

Despite the setback Latics youthful line-up continued to be competitive and Joseph forced an excellent save from Maxwell with his left-footed strike.

The hosts should have added to their lead on 65 minutes when Madine looked odds on to score from six-yards out but his tame effort was easily saved by Jones.

Tom James had a shot deflected over the crossbar and Chris Merrie should have done better with his shot after good set up play by Gardner and Garner but Latics just couldn’t find their way through the Seasiders defence.

Latics couldn’t be faulted for their effort and the young players can be proud of their performances but the current injury-crisis is killing the club and the manager will be desperately hoping that they can get the injured players back fit very soon.

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